Accessories Advice from Holly Barker Millinery

Holly of Holly Barker Millinery works with brides to create beautiful, one of a kind, couture bridal headpieces. Whether it is a birdcage veil, an intricate lace headpiece or a striking statement that guests will talk about for years, the right piece can be the perfect finishing touch for a bride on her wedding day.

Choosing a headpiece can be a tricky thing, here Holly shares her tips for choosing the right headpiece for you.

Ensure your headpiece complements your gown. The most important thing is to make sure that details, such as beading or lace should be the same or similar in order to tie your outfit together. If you want your headpiece to be the same colour as your gown, take a swatch with you, so it can be colour matched.

Don’t be afraid of colour. Colour can be your friend – depending on your dress and accessories. Add a pop of colour in your headpiece with red handmade blooms, dusky pink crystal beading, or lush black velvet ribbon. If you love a particular colour, why not include it!

Choose a style that you are comfortable wearing. The fundamental rule when planning the details of your wedding applies here – stay true to you. Your headpiece should be something you feel reflects “you” and that you feel comfortable wearing for the whole day.

Trends don’t work for everyone. Just because something is on trend, doesn’t mean it looks good on everybody. It is better to choose something that suits you, than something just because it is popular right now. Trends change and wedding photos last forever!

Don’t be afraid to choose a statement headpiece instead of a veil. Not every bride wants to wear a veil and that is ok! A headpiece can be a beautiful addition to your bridal look or the perfect alternative if you choose not to wear one. Many brides that wear a veil choose to take it off after the ceremony, so it is lovely to have a statement headpiece that can be worn for the remainder of the day.

Work with your hair. Consider your hair and the hairstyle you will be wearing on the day – your headpiece will need to work in with this. Ensure your headpiece is easy to put on, doesn’t dig in to your head, isn’t too heavy and that you are comfortable wearing it all day.

Think long term. Choose a headpiece that is well made and will last longer than just your wedding day. Holly’s headpieces become heirloom pieces, that can be passed on to loved ones to treasure for years to come.

* In terms of trends, ornate details and statement pieces are popular. Opulent, romantic styling is in, and soft ethereal veils with intricate lace detail are trending at the moment, which Holly loves.

One last piece of advice – throw out the rules and have fun!

There are really no rules when it comes to weddings. It is your day, so choose something you love and wear it with confidence.

Images 1 – 3 are of real bride Annaliese – the images are by Amanda Alessi . Holly custom made Annaliese’s Swarovski crystal headpiece to match the detail in her silk gown.